Hector's parents sent him to an orphanage in treatment for smallpox but... they never picked him up. 35 years later, he still lives in the orphanage, surrounded by children, his playmates. Till a forgotten aunt remembers that he exists. She'll get him to participate in the bakery of her husband, Achilles, to work. Hector shows his skills on the basis of unexpected inventions. So he helps Jos, the son of Achilles, to accomplish his dream to be a cycling champion. Hector's good humor and childlike manner overcomes all resistance and pulls his entire entourage along on the path to success. From now on he can learn what love is...
Acting
Urbanus commits fully to childlike physicality without mocking it.
Production
Cozy 1980s Belgian aesthetic that feels homemade and sincere.
Director
Stijn Coninx
Urbanus
Hector
Sylvia Millecam
Ella Mattheusen
Frank Aendenboom
Achiel Mattheusen
Herbert Flack
Grégoire Ghijssels
Marc Van Eeghem
Jos Mattheusen
Hein van der Heijden
Swa Ghijssels
Ann Petersen
Zuster Abdis
Kees Hulst
Toneelregisseur
Josse De Pauw
Commentator
Fred Van Kuyk
Wedstrijdleider
Chris Cauwenberghs
Fietsenmaker
Yvonne Verbeeck
Zuster Carbon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Urbanus was Belgium's most famous comedian; this was his dramatic debut, shocking audiences who expected slapstick.
The cycling subplot mirrors Belgium's national obsession, making Jos's dream land harder for local audiences who know the sport's cruelty.
NL
